Can We Drink Mushroom Water? Safety, Benefits, and Preparation Guide

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine and are now a burgeoning trend in the wellness industry, with sales of mushroom-based teas and powders growing significantly. However, the safety and benefits of consuming mushroom water depend entirely on the type of mushroom used and the preparation method.

Quick Summary

The safety of drinking mushroom water hinges on whether the mushrooms are cooked or raw. Properly prepared broth from edible, cooked mushrooms is safe and nutritious, whereas consuming water infused with raw mushrooms is extremely risky due to potential toxins and indigestible compounds.

Key Points

Raw is Risky: Never consume water infused with raw mushrooms due to potential toxins and indigestible chitin, a fibrous compound.
Cooking is Key: The safest way to drink mushroom water is by making a cooked broth or tea, which neutralizes toxins and makes nutrients accessible.
Supplements Vary: Store-bought "mushroom water" is often a supplement using powdered extracts, which are largely unregulated, so vetting brands is crucial.
Potential Benefits: Safely prepared mushroom drinks may offer immune support, cognitive benefits, and help with stress management due to antioxidants and adaptogens.
Consult a Doctor: Given potential drug interactions (e.g., Chaga and blood thinners) and other risks, speak with a doctor before adding mushroom drinks to your routine, especially if you take medication.
Know Your Fungi: Use only commercially available, clearly identified edible mushrooms or trusted functional powders. Never use foraged wild mushrooms unless you are an expert.
Prebiotics for Your Gut: Cooked mushrooms and some extracts contain prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, contributing to better digestive health.

Is It Safe to Drink Mushroom Water?

The short answer is: it depends. The term "mushroom water" can refer to several different things, from a savory, cooked mushroom broth to a brew made from raw or powdered medicinal varieties. The safety of each varies dramatically, with cooking being the most critical factor for ensuring a safe and digestible drink.

Raw vs. Cooked: The Critical Difference

Drinking water infused with raw mushrooms is not recommended and can be dangerous. Many mushrooms contain compounds that are not digestible or can be toxic until they are cooked thoroughly.

Toxins: Certain wild mushrooms, such as morels, contain hydrazine toxins that must be destroyed by heat. Consuming them raw can lead to serious gastrointestinal and neurological issues. Crucially, some deadly varieties, like the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), have toxins that are not neutralized by cooking and should never be consumed.
Chitin: All mushrooms have cell walls made of a tough fibrous material called chitin. The human body lacks the enzymes to break down chitin, making raw mushrooms difficult to digest and potentially causing stomach upset, bloating, and indigestion. Cooking breaks down these cell walls, releasing the nutrients and making the mushroom easier on the digestive system.
Bacteria and Contaminants: Like any produce, raw mushrooms can harbor bacteria and other contaminants from their growing environment. Cooking eliminates this risk.

The Case of Medicinal Mushroom Extracts

Many trendy "mushroom waters" on the market are actually powdered extracts derived from functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga. These products are different from simply steeping raw mushrooms in water.

Extraction: The powders are created by extracting the beneficial compounds, such as adaptogens and polysaccharides, and concentrating them. This process can make the nutrients more bioavailable than in a raw, fibrous form.
Regulation Concerns: The supplement industry is not strictly regulated by the FDA, meaning quality and dosage can vary significantly between brands. It's essential to choose reputable manufacturers that provide transparent ingredient and dosage information.
Risks and Interactions: Even with supplements, there are risks. Chaga, for instance, is high in oxalates, which can cause kidney issues in high doses. Certain mushrooms can also have blood-thinning effects and interfere with medications. It is always best to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.

Potential Benefits of Mushroom Broths and Teas

For safely prepared mushroom beverages, several potential health benefits exist, although much of the supporting research is still preliminary or based on animal studies.

Immune System Support: Many medicinal mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans and antioxidants that are believed to support the immune system and help fight inflammation.
Cognitive Function: Lion's Mane mushroom is particularly noted for its potential to support brain health, memory, and focus, with some studies showing improvements in cognitive function in older adults.
Stress Reduction: Adaptogenic mushrooms, like Reishi and Cordyceps, are thought to help the body manage stress by modulating cortisol levels. This can promote relaxation and potentially improve sleep quality.
Gut Health: Mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers, which feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion and overall immune health.

How to Safely Prepare Mushroom Broth or Tea

Creating your own safe and nutritious mushroom beverage is a straightforward process.

Select Edible Mushrooms: Use fresh culinary mushrooms from a trusted grocery store (like shiitake, cremini, or maitake) or purchase dried functional mushrooms from a reputable supplier. Never use foraged wild mushrooms unless you are an expert mycologist.
Clean Thoroughly: Rinse the mushrooms gently to remove any dirt or debris.
Create the Broth/Tea:
- Broth: Combine chopped mushrooms with water and optional aromatics like garlic and onions in a pot. Simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to extract flavor and nutrients and ensure safety.
- Tea: For dried functional mushrooms, a decoction method (simmering for 15-20 minutes) is often recommended to fully extract compounds, especially for woody varieties like Reishi.
Strain and Serve: Strain the solids from the liquid. You can enjoy the warm broth or tea as is, or use it as a flavorful base for soups and other recipes.

A Quick Comparison: Mushroom Drinks


Feature	Raw Infused Water	Cooked Broth/Tea	Powdered Supplement Drinks
Safety	Highly unsafe; risk of toxins	Safe with edible, cooked mushrooms	Variable; depends on brand and dosage
Digestibility	Poor; chitin is hard to break down	Excellent; cooking breaks down chitin	Good; compounds are pre-extracted
Nutrients	Low; nutrients trapped in cell walls	Moderate; vitamins and minerals released	High concentration; targeted compounds
Preparation	Soaking raw, fresh mushrooms	Simmering edible mushrooms in water	Mixing powder with water
Risks	Toxicity, digestive issues	Very low, assuming edible mushrooms	Overdosing, drug interactions

Conclusion

While the concept of drinking mushroom water is trending, it is critical to understand that not all mushroom preparations are safe for consumption. Water infused with raw mushrooms, whether wild or store-bought, poses serious health risks and should be avoided. The safest way to enjoy the potential health benefits of mushrooms in liquid form is by consuming a properly prepared, savory broth made from cooked edible mushrooms or by opting for reputable supplement powders that contain concentrated extracts from functional varieties. Always exercise caution, source your mushrooms responsibly, and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

For more detailed information on mushroom health benefits and nutritional facts, consider reviewing resources from established medical institutions like the UCLA Health Newsroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

You could experience severe digestive issues, such as bloating and indigestion, due to the indigestible chitin in mushroom cell walls. More dangerously, if you consumed a variety that requires cooking to deactivate toxins (like morels), you could experience poisoning.

Mushroom coffee typically contains ground, dried, and extracted medicinal mushroom powder mixed with instant coffee or tea. It's a type of mushroom water, but the term 'water' can also refer to a homemade, simmered broth from culinary mushrooms.

No. You should only use clearly identified edible mushrooms from a reputable source, like a grocery store or trusted supplier of functional powders. Some wild mushrooms are highly toxic, and cooking does not always remove the threat.

Yes, properly cooked mushroom broth or tea will contain some water-soluble vitamins (like B vitamins) and minerals, along with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. However, the nutrient concentration can be low compared to eating the whole mushroom.

Yes, but only if the mushrooms are fully cooked afterward. The soaking water, often called mushroom stock, should be used for simmering and cooking, not for raw consumption. The simmering process is necessary to make it safe and enhance flavor.

Adaptogenic mushrooms are types of fungi (like Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps) believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote balance. These are often used in supplement powders rather than culinary dishes.

Side effects are rare but can include digestive discomfort, nausea, or allergic reactions. Additionally, high oxalate content in some mushrooms like Chaga can affect kidney health, and interactions with medications are possible.